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The Federation built a central library on an unnamed planetoid to hold the total culturalhistory and scientific knowledge of all planetary Federation members. During assembly, the library wasn't installed with protective shields as this was considered inappropriate for a facility dedicated to academic research.

As of 2269, the library complex was an array consisting of five large and seven smaller domes on the surface of the planetoid. Aside from the technicians, the occupants of Memory Alpha varied with the number of scholars, researchers, and scientists from various Federation planets who were using the computer complex at any given time.

While the Zetarians were attempting to take over the bodies of the personnel of Memory Alpha, they managed to cause extensive damage to the complex. The memory core of the computer, called the central brain, was burned out. The energy generator was rendered inoperative. All occupants of the complex died from brain damage caused by resisting the mind control efforts of the Zetarians. After the Zetarians were destroyed, the Enterprise returned to Memory Alpha to begin repairs. (TOS: "The Lights of Zetar")

The location of Memory Alpha in "The Explored Galaxy" star chart

An Enterprise landing party investigates the deaths of Memory Alpha technicians

The name of this facility was originally "Memory 7". The idea that the name be changed was first suggested in a list of research notes submitted by the de Forest Research Company on 16 October1968. Regarding the designation "Memory 7", the document commented, "This name would imply that there are six other 'Memories.' Since script specifies that installation is unique, suggest: Memory One or Memory Alpha here and throughout script."

According to Michael Okuda, "Based on the size and spacing of the windows, I'd estimate that each of the domes must be similar to the Superdome." He also stated, "If you look very closely at the far left dome, you might notice a small blue patch on the top of the dome. That's the Memory Alpha emblem." [1]

As evidenced by the first draft script of TNG: "Relics", Memory Alpha was originally to have been cited as the location of the Fleet Museum. However, all mention of Memory Alpha was removed from the episode by the time the final draft of the script was issued. [2]

A working title of ENT: "The Andorian Incident" was "Assault on Memory Alpha". While the episode was called that, the story included a Vulcan space station named Memory Alpha. In a story outline, it was described as "a massive data archive that will store hundreds of years worth of scientific data and historical research." The facility was under construction at the time the story was set, with "the last third of the structure" being built by laborers of an alien species who were hired by the Vulcans. Starfleet hoped to someday build a similar archive of their own (implying that the Vulcan station led to the building of the canonically established Memory Alpha). As "The Andorian Incident" continued to develop, this facility was replaced by the Vulcan monastery at P'Jem.

According to Star Trek Maps (p. 27 & chart D), Memory Alpha was established for the Federation Centennial celebration and opened to the general public two years later. The library computer was only partially destroyed by the Zetarians and was overhauled after the attack. The resident population was six hundred. Memory Alpha had a small moon called Arsende.